Shi Qingruo had not misheard. When Su Mengzhen uttered the word "safety," he deliberately emphasized it, as if reproaching her for seeking Lengxue's protection to escape danger by coming here.
This was no surprise.
The Golden Wind and Fine Rain Tower had frequent dealings with the Six Gates, even maintaining a friendly relationship. However, this network of connections did not include an unknown figure like her, who had appeared out of nowhere.
Su Mengzhen had his own pride—without it, he would never have ascended to the position of ruling over others.
Naturally, he disliked arrangements made without his knowledge.
Unfortunately, due to Lengxue's presence, he couldn’t simply drive her away.
Shi Qingruo had chosen this moment, amidst the marriage arrangements with Guan Qi, to make her move—precisely because she had considered this point and ensured he couldn’t expel her.
On the contrary…
She seemed oblivious to the implied meaning in Su Mengzhen’s words and calmly countered, "Master Su, you said I invited Chief Wuqing into the bridal sedan—that’s not entirely accurate. As the chief constable just stated, he is an officer of the law. This is not the outskirts of the capital, where martial law is lax and the so-called boundaries of the martial world can be freely drawn. If the law is to be upheld, then when someone commits murder and disrupts order, it must be dealt with. Otherwise, how can the capital remain secure? This has nothing to do with me."
"Besides, the chief constable cannot walk. Riding in a sedan to handle official business is far more convenient than having people carry him around."
Given the outcome of the earlier assassination attempt, anyone would agree that Chief Wuqing had chosen an excellent vantage point.
Su Mengzhen glanced up and saw Lengxue, standing behind with his arms crossed, twitch the corner of his mouth again.
He likely had something to say but ultimately held his tongue.
Before he could speak, Shi Qingruo pressed further, "Moreover, have I disturbed Master Su’s enjoyment of the show?"
"Not at all," Su Mengzhen replied firmly.
His earlier half-hearted accusation did not affect his answer to this factual question.
In fact, he added, "Without Miss Shi, I would not have witnessed such a spectacle today."
At most, he had anticipated that if someone intended to disrupt this marriage, this location would be the most suitable, hence his decision to bring witnesses here.
But without Shi Qingruo stirring the pot and forcing certain parties to act prematurely, he truly wouldn’t have seen today’s farce.
He had no reason to deny this.
"Then, may we now discuss a transaction?" Shi Qingruo asked smoothly. "I believe the fact that I can sit before Master Su with justified legitimacy speaks to my capabilities."
At these words, Su Mengzhen couldn’t help but scrutinize the woman before him more carefully.
He had always adhered to one principle—
Methods could be circuitous; any means could be employed to achieve an end. ()
But when it came to words, they must always be direct.
Yet now, it seemed someone was even more direct than him.
Shi Qingruo was undeniably beautiful—so much so that one would never doubt she could bring even a madman to his senses. But if beauty were all she possessed, she would be nothing special.
What set her apart was the unwavering confidence in her words, the boldness to negotiate despite lacking martial prowess, and the fiery determination in her striking eyes—all of which made this exquisitely crafted portrait impossible to resist.
"Why me?" Su Mengzhen asked.
Shi Qingruo shed her earlier gentleness, revealing a sharp, mocking smile. "Because I don’t take kindly to those who scheme for my life from the outset. There are countless ways to deal with dissent in the capital. Killing is the most effective, but also the most contemptuous toward those involved."
Without flinching, she continued, "Those who struck thought Guan Qi was mad and that I, a non-combatant, wouldn’t matter even if my identity was exposed once their goals were achieved. But—I am no fool."
"The swordsman who fought Zhu Xiaoyao wielded a blade that sang like a dragon and phoenix. Unless I’m mistaken, that was Meng Kongkong, the current successor of the Xiangjian Treasure Blade. The one who intercepted Deng Cangsheng struck and withdrew swiftly—his technique was the Soul-Startling Blade, and the wielder was none other than Xi Liantian, master of the Xi Manor. The swordsman Guan Qi killed instantly never had a chance to strike, but his blade moved without a sound—the Five Tigers Soul-Severing Blade, most famously wielded by Peng Jian."
"These three, along with five other swordsmen, serve under Young Marquis Fang as the Eight Great Blade Kings, owing their allegiance to him for past favors from Fang Great Hero."
"The pale-faced man in robes who intercepted Guan Qi used weapons and techniques long renowned in the martial world. The former was the Heaven-Earth Nineteen Divine Needles, a peerless weapon forged by the Power Gang, later acquired by the corrupt official Wen Zhang. The latter was the Momentum Sword of Yuan Shisanxian, brother of Zhuge Divine Marquis. Thus, his identity is no mystery—Wen Xue'an, son of Wen Zhang, sent by the Prime Minister to assist Chief Lei."
"As for the old woman who confronted Chief Wuqing, I need not elaborate—she was the Seventh Hall Master of the Six and a Half Halls, Granny Douzi of the Qilian Mountains, whose weapons were the very beans she flung into the sedan."
"Master Su," Shi Qingruo paused slightly, raising an eyebrow, "with Young Marquis Fang, Chief Lei, and the Prime Minister colluding to take my life, my options are limited. And among them, you are the foremost choice. Am I wrong?"
Su Mengzhen glanced sideways as if casually, exchanging a look with the man standing diagonally behind him.
Though unspoken, those who had worked with him for years would recognize the meaning behind this gesture.
The Golden Wind and Fine Rain Tower had risen later than the Six and a Half Halls, but there was one thing they could not afford to lag behind—intelligence.
Yet the White Tower, which gathered information on all martial artists under heaven, had no records of this eloquent Miss Shi!
Even more intriguing was this—they knew next to nothing about her origins, and now they had discovered something else:
She possessed no martial skills, yet she could identify every attacker’s background and techniques with precision!
Suppressing his astonishment, Su Mengzhen merely allowed a hint of newfound respect to surface. "In that case, I’d like to hear your proposal."
Shi Qingruo replied, "I want all of the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Tower’s spies within the Mi Tian Alliance placed under my command."
"..." Lengxue’s grip on his sword faltered slightly.
From the moment someone had sought their protection to "maintain order," he’d felt they’d fallen into an enormous trap.
Though most of the troublemakers had criminal records, ensuring their efforts weren’t entirely in vain, what he was hearing now…
This was crossing a line.
Was this something he should even be privy to?
One had to admit—this Miss Shi, who had become the Mi Tian Alliance’s prospective bride, possessed courage far beyond the ordinary.
And Su Mengzhen, true to his position as leader of the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Tower, remained unshaken even in the face of such an audacious demand.
Su Mengzhen said, "There are few in this world who dare to negotiate terms with me, but they do exist. Unfortunately, Miss Shi, you are neither my elder nor my sworn brother. To make such a request so abruptly—I must ask you to leave."
"Whether this is presumptuous or not, Tower Master Su, you might as well hear what I have to say next." Shi Qingruo met the chilling gaze of the man before her with calm composure.
Since transmigrating into this world, everything she had seen and experienced had taught her one thing—this was a ruthlessly real world.
Yet she counted herself fortunate. Having played through the game three times before, that experience was now an invaluable asset to her.
She could name every assassin who had ambushed her, and just as easily, she knew exactly what to say to keep this negotiation going.
She continued, "Eighteen years ago, your father, Su Zhemu, had just established the foundation of the Wind and Rain Tower. At the time, Lei Sun of the Six and a Half Halls, impressed by your talent, arranged a marriage between you and his daughter. By all accounts, the wedding should have taken place within months. But given the current situation, rather than becoming harmonious in-laws, the Six and a Half Halls and the Wind and Rain Tower are inevitably headed for a decisive battle."
"Rather than forming an alliance with Chief Lei to eliminate the Lost Clan first, only to turn this capital into a battleground between your two factions, Tower Master Su, why not consider another approach?"
Su Mengzhen scoffed, "Are you suggesting that you and I join forces to remove the Six and a Half Halls from the equation, accelerating this inevitable outcome?"
"Why not? Isn’t it feasible?"
Shi Qingruo’s retort came so effortlessly that even the unshakable Su Mengzhen was momentarily taken aback.
After a pause, he said, "...It occurs to me that Chief Lei’s absence today might have been his worst decision yet."
Shi Qingruo nodded. "Which is why it’s me sitting before you now, not him. And I believe I’m far more suited to be your ally."
Su Mengzhen raised an eyebrow. "Based solely on your silver tongue, which convinced Chief Wuqing to come here?"
Shi Qingruo smiled serenely. "A person who relies only on external forces will eventually meet a crushing end. The waters of Bianjing run deep—use the same trick twice, and no one will fall for it again. I wouldn’t stake my worth on such tactics. I merely wish to speak plainly with you, Tower Master Su."
Su Mengzhen gestured for her to continue.
Shi Qingruo obliged. "When the Wind and Rain Tower was first established, the Six and a Half Halls were already a formidable force. Though your tower has risen swiftly in recent years, in terms of foundation, it still falls short. Moreover, I’ve heard rumors that due to your unwavering principles, the tower’s finances are far less... favorable compared to the Six and a Half Halls."
"Less favorable" was putting it mildly. "Financially strained" would be more accurate.
She pressed on, "First, I can secure a substantial sum of resources for you. Second, even if your original plan succeeds—eliminating the Lost Clan before turning on the Six and a Half Halls—your victory would be pyrrhic at best. So why not choose an opponent who offers you a greater advantage?"
Su Mengzhen narrowed his eyes. "But if, as you say, our alliance will inevitably lead to a confrontation between us, what do you stand to gain?"
Shi Qingruo hesitated briefly before answering earnestly, "The martial world is full of talented individuals forced to bide their time in obscurity. To soar for even a single night is far better than fading into anonymity."
Su Mengzhen could tell she was withholding something, that her words weren’t the full truth.
Yet there was no doubt—this answer was genuine.
He coughed violently into his sleeve, struggling to suppress the chronic pain from his old wounds. When the fit subsided, a fresh handkerchief was offered to him.
Su Mengzhen looked up.
The eyes meeting his were still veiled in mist, obscuring her intentions.
And yet, within that mist, he could see the reflection of his own stubborn resolve—proof that the master of the Wind and Rain Tower would never make a reckless decision.
Every word he spoke carried the weight of responsibility for countless lives.
Shi Qingruo’s decisive voice cut through his thoughts. "So, Tower Master Su, are you willing to place a greater bet on this gamble and pay some advance dividends?"
Su Mengzhen steadied his breathing and replied evenly, "As you wish."
With the answer she sought, Shi Qingruo’s expression brightened, shedding her earlier gravity. She turned to Lengxue and said lightly, "Then I’ll trouble Chief Leng to escort me back. I trust—"
"—that Tower Master Su doesn’t make promises lightly."
...
Doesn’t make promises lightly?
Su Mengzhen let out a derisive chuckle, unsure whether to be grateful for his sterling reputation in the martial world—the very reason he now had an unexpected option.
But this newfound ally was no pushover.
For some reason, he felt an odd sense of familiarity whenever he looked at her, as though... today wasn’t their first meeting, as though they’d crossed paths long before.
Every bold word Shi Qingruo spoke never overstepped his tolerance, as if she’d meticulously studied his thoughts beforehand.
Yet no matter how hard he searched his memories, he couldn’t place her.
Lost in thought, he was a beat slower to respond when a voice spoke up behind him: "Seems like Chief Lei’s in for trouble now that he’s made an enemy of Miss Shi."
"Indeed," Su Mengzhen agreed firmly.
As for whether that trouble would eventually circle back to the Wind and Rain Tower...
They’d have to prepare for that possibility.
But for now, the headache belonged to someone else...
...
Descending the stairs, Shi Qingruo spotted Sikong Zhaixing and his unmistakably distinctive companion.
The man cloaked in crimson was uncharacteristically subdued, absentmindedly stroking his signature mustache.
But his concern, it seemed, was entirely unnecessary for a certain someone.
The moment a brighter shade of red entered his line of sight, Sikong Zhaixing sprang upright and hurried forward.
Lu Xiaofeng facepalmed, lamenting his choice in friends.
Yet when his gaze followed Sikong Zhaixing’s, even the well-traveled Lu Xiaofeng couldn’t help but feel—
In that instant, all the frustrations since arriving in Bianjing melted away under the radiant smile of the woman in red.
It was as if the capital’s spring breeze had only just now turned warm, carrying with it a soft murmur:
"Little Bat, thank you for earlier."
"What’s there to thank?" Sikong Zhaixing replied with exaggerated haste, clapping Lu Xiaofeng’s shoulder hard enough to jolt him out of his daze. "I may be a thief, but I haven’t pulled any jobs in Bianjing lately. With someone vouching for me, it’s not like I’d end up behind bars eating prison rations."
"And besides..."
"Are you sure your legs didn’t go weak when we entered the Six Gates?" Shi Qingruo teased.
"Of course not!" Sikong Zhaixing retorted instantly.
...
"I can’t believe you. Who was it that needed my support after leaving the Six Gates, huh?" Lu Xiaofeng rolled his eyes.
Sikong Zhaixing nearly jumped out of his skin at those words, immediately shaking off the hand Lu Xiaofeng had draped over his shoulder.
Seeing that Shi Qingruo had already finished exchanging pleasantries and was walking toward the site of the earlier chaotic skirmish—and knowing she lacked any inner strength to overhear their conversation—he finally let out a long sigh of relief.
Lu Xiaofeng, observing his reaction, felt even more inclined to sigh himself. "Do I really need to remind you again? She said she was glad you were unharmed, and now it’s time to return—to proceed with the marriage arrangement with the Holy Master of the Mighty Heaven Alliance."
Running around for another man’s wife—what was even the point of all this?
"Isn’t this something we’ve known all along?" Sikong Zhaixing forced a bitter smile before rallying his spirits. "You heard her just now. She said she owes me a favor, and if she gets her wish, she’ll repay me. That wasn’t a lie."
This time, it was Lu Xiaofeng who fell silent.
Suddenly, he felt he no longer understood the latest trends in the martial world.
If that was the case—
Perhaps he ought to stay in Bianjing a while longer.
At the very least...
"Fine, I won’t pry further. But—" He pointed toward the distance. "After all the trouble we’ve gone through, we’d better at least get a cup of wedding wine from the Mighty Heaven Alliance, don’t you think?"
He had always been a magnet for trouble, and now an almost instinctive premonition told him today’s grand spectacle wasn’t over yet. He had to follow and see what happened next!
